Merc 150 engine noise

[mda2002]

Hello all<br />I am new to the forum and would like to introduce myself and ask a question. My name is Matt. Now for the question .<br />I recently purchased a 20' Key Largo with a Salt Water Series 150 . The boat and motor are new 2004 from the dealer. I am fairly new to boating but am mechanically inclined. I know and was told that these 2 strokes are notorious for being noisy. The problem I am having is at idle I hear a ticking/clattering. I can also hear it more when powering down from plane. The motor idles great , runs great , no loss of power but it makes one heck of a clatter when powering down, sounds like someone shaking a bucket of bolts. It also has a very differant sound at 3000 rpm also. I have gone through the proper break in as descibed in the manual provided by Mercury. Am I over reacting or should I contact the dealer as it is under warranty. Thanks in advance,<br /> Matt

 

[MercFan]

Re: Merc 150 engine noise

Clattering in neutral on my motor was just an improper setting on the shift lever. It was almost engaging forward, but not quite, while in neutral. Adjust the cable, all sorted.<br /><br />When you're at WOT and powering down, remember the the prop will be turned by the water over a ratchet.<br /><br />You can create this sound while the boat is on the trailer and off. Put it in forward gear and spin the prop by hand. It will only spin one way, and listen if that ratchet sound is the sound you're hearing.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Merc 150 engine noise

is the very different sound at 3,000 rpms like a loud grunting noise similar to a high horsepower v-8? at 3,000 rpms, my 2005 150 XR6 (same as your salt water, 2.5 v-6 carb) has a great low grunt sound to it which is only distinct at this rpm. no where else in the operating range can you hear that grunt unless at high idle.

 

[mda2002]

Re: Merc 150 engine noise

spun he prop by hand in neutral and it was quiet as could be,no ratcheting sound. The sound at 3000 rpm sounds as Glastron described. When powering down from WOT the noise is a very sharp clack, not really a ratcheting sound.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Merc 150 engine noise

sorry, i forgot yto add tat tat noie or grunt at 3,000 rpm i perfectly normal too. anyways, sorry i cant help you on your ratcheting problem, i hope you get resolved or looked at because that doesn't sound normal. my 150 does not fo anything like that at all. bring it to the dealer...it should be still under warrenty right?

 

[MercFan]

Re: Merc 150 engine noise

MDAC,<br />To diagnose the sound when powering down, do this:<br />The ratchet sound is when you spin the prop on forward gear.<br /><br />To recreate the ticking sound at idling, do this:<br />Start the engine up on ear muffs with water in neutral and take it to high idle, 2000rpm. Then listen if you can hear the ticking, sounds almost like a bell. Your prop might also turn a lil bit, so don't ever go near the prop when running your engine on muffs.